{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whittier International School","outOfStateSupporters":34.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10114712,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping provide durable stools for our small group table. Your generosity has already made a big impact on our students and learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese stools are used every day during small group instruction, reading conferences, intervention groups, and partner discussions. Having comfortable and reliable seating helps students stay focused and engaged while working closely with me and their classmates. \r\n\r\nWhen the stools first arrived, students were immediately eager to try them out. They loved how lightweight and easy they were to move, and many noticed right away how much more comfortable they were than our old stools. The compact design has also helped keep our classroom more organized and less cluttered, giving students more room to move and collaborate.\r\n\r\nThese stools have also become an important part of our flexible seating options. Students now use them during independent work, partner activities, and collaborative projects throughout the day. Having multiple seating choices helps students find spaces where they can focus best and feel successful.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through our current units of inquiry, students will keep using these stools during small group instruction to strengthen reading comprehension, problem-solving, discussion skills, and collaborative thinking. These simple but meaningful resources are helping create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to take academic risks.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and helping create spaces where meaningful learning can happen every day.","fullyFundedDate":1772032456934,"projectUrl":"project/stools-for-small-groups/10114712/","projectTitle":"Stools for Small Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10144857,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and helping bring The One and Only Bob into our classroom. Your generosity has given my students the opportunity to continue a story they truly connected with and loved.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is much more than simply finishing a book. Students read closely, pause to ask questions, discuss important moments with classmates, and reflect on how characters grow and change. With these new books, students are learning to analyze point of view, compare characters across texts, identify themes, and support their thinking with evidence from the story. They are also building empathy as they consider how experiences shape identity, relationships, and choices.\r\n\r\nThe excitement when the books arrived was incredible. Several students immediately began making connections between Ivan's and Bob's perspectives, while others eagerly predicted how Bob's experiences might differ from Ivan's. Some of my quieter students have become more confident during discussions because they feel personally connected to the characters and story world. Students who already loved The One and Only Ivan are now diving even deeper into meaningful conversations about friendship, courage, belonging, and hope.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are not only strengthening important reading and critical thinking skills, but they are also experiencing the joy of becoming deeply invested in literature. Thank you for helping create a classroom where curiosity, discussion, and a love of reading can continue to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1773838974547,"projectUrl":"project/from-ivan-to-bob-extending-our-journey/10144857/","projectTitle":"From Ivan to Bob: Extending Our Journey with Beloved Characters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10091396,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and helping provide comfort, care, and emotional support for our students during a very difficult time. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these materials, students have been using the calming tools during small-group wellness sessions where they can safely talk about feelings, worries, and experiences. One especially powerful moment happened while students created their glitter calm-down jars. As they slowly shook the jars and practiced deep breathing, several students shared that watching the glitter settle helped them feel calmer inside too. It opened the door for important conversations about stress, fear, hope, and resilience.\r\n\r\nThe reaction when students first saw the materials was immediate excitement and relief. Many students were eager to explore the fidgets, beads, and calming supplies, while others quietly expressed gratitude for having something that could help them feel less overwhelmed. The bracelet and keychain activities have become especially meaningful. Students carefully choose colors to represent emotions and often use their creations to help explain feelings they may otherwise struggle to put into words.\r\n\r\nThese resources are also helping us support students beyond the classroom. The at-home coping kits have allowed families to continue emotional wellness practices together, helping students feel connected and cared for even while sheltering at home.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create moments of safety, healing, and connection for children who truly need it right now. Thank you for caring so deeply about our students and helping them feel seen, supported, and hopeful.","fullyFundedDate":1770907286927,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-student-wellness-in-uncertain/10091396/","projectTitle":"Supporting Student Wellness in Uncertain Times","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":1672541,"projectId":9819151,"letterContent":"Last Friday, one of my students, a kid who is not typically one to initiate a conversation, stopped as he was leaving my reading group to tell me \"I like your books.\" This same student missed a lot of school during January and February due to the fear of encountering ICE agents in our community. When I visited his home during that time and read with him, I had trouble finding books at this level that really interested him. But not now.\r\n\r\nHe is in a small group of 3 ELL third graders who are beginning readers, reading together the Magic Belt series that you helped make possible. They all enjoy the books and will sometimes forgo free time in their classroom to read a little more. The first couple books in the series were an excellent review of the phonics they've been learning. Now, in books 4 and 5, they are encountering new phonics patterns. They are all highly motivated to learn the new concepts so that they are better able to tackle the next book. It is so gratifying to see their progress and their enthusiasm. \r\n\r\nThank you for being part of this.","fullyFundedDate":1768673464200,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-read-at-any-age/9819151/","projectTitle":"Learning to Read at Any Age","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suzy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1672541_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x96,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705426320101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1672541"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":9937831,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Black History Month Celebration Costumes project. Because of you, our students were able to fully step into their roles during Black History: Music that Changed America. During rehearsals, students representing different musical eras used the costumes to better understand how fashion, performance style, and cultural identity connected to the history we studied. \r\n\r\nWhen the costumes arrived, students were excited and immediately began talking about which era they would represent. The clothing sparked curiosity, confidence, and deeper discussion about the artists and movements behind the music. Students extended this learning by writing reflections and researching additional musicians who influenced social change. Thank you for helping us create a meaningful experience that brought history, culture, and student voice to life.","fullyFundedDate":1768772436891,"projectUrl":"project/black-history-month-celebration-costumes/9937831/","projectTitle":"Black History Month Celebration Costumes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":9921022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Black Music Through History project. Because of you, our students were able to fully bring their Black History Month performance to life with meaningful costumes and props. During rehearsals, something shifted when students put on the outfits representing their musical era. They stood taller, moved with more confidence, and embodied the artists they had studied. One powerful moment came when a group performing music from the Civil Rights era connected their choreography to the message of freedom and resilience, explaining how music gave people strength during times of injustice.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the costumes and props, their excitement was immediate. They eagerly tried pieces on, asked questions about the time periods, and began discussing how fashion reflected culture and identity. Many said the costumes made them \"feel like real performers,\" which deepened their connection to the history behind the music.\r\n\r\nStudent reflected on the impact of Black musicians across decades and connect those contributions to current artists and social movements. We extended this learning through writing, discussion, and analysis of how music continues to influence change today. Thank you for helping us create an experience that honored history, celebrated culture, and empowered students to express powerful stories through performance.","fullyFundedDate":1768013538125,"projectUrl":"project/black-music-through-history/9921022/","projectTitle":"Black Music Through History!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10072971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Stories of Resilience project. Because of you, our advanced reading groups have begun powerful novel studies with Number the Stars, Prisoner B-3087, and Refugee. Even in our first week, students have engaged in thoughtful discussions about courage, moral choices, and survival. One moment that stood out was during a small-group conversation when students compared the risks taken by characters in different historical contexts and debated what they would have done in similar situations while using evidence from the text to support their thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen students first received their own copies, they were excited and immediately began flipping through the pages, noticing chapter titles and asking questions about the characters. Having their own books for close reading made them feel trusted and ready for deeper learning. Many expressed how eager they were to read stories that \"feel real\" and tackle meaningful themes.\r\n\r\nStudents will continue building their analysis skills through literature circles, reflective writing, and cross-text comparisons of resilience across time periods. They will examine themes of identity, injustice, and moral responsibility while connecting historical events to present-day global issues. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can think critically, empathize deeply, and grow as both readers and global citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1770093762008,"projectUrl":"project/stories-of-resilience/10072971/","projectTitle":"Stories Of Resilience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10075482,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Expanding STEAM Learning Through Hands-On Building Materials project. Because of you, our first graders are using PicassoTiles, magnetic sticks, Brain Flakes, and building sets every week during STEAM centers. Recently, students worked in teams to design a structure that could \"withstand wind\" from a small fan. They tested, redesigned, and improved their creations. Students were thinking like true engineers while practicing collaboration and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were beyond excited. Their eyes lit up, and they immediately began sharing ideas about what they wanted to build. Some students who are typically quiet during whole-group lessons became leaders during building time, confidently explaining their designs and problem-solving strategies.\r\n\r\nStudents connected these building challenges to our science and literacy units by designing habitats, creating story settings, and solving simple engineering problems tied to real-world themes. These materials are helping students ask questions, test ideas, and reflect on what worked and what didn't. Thank you for giving our young learners the tools to build creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1770265398528,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-steam-learning-through-hands-o/10075482/","projectTitle":"Expanding STEAM Learning Through Hands-On Building Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10069765,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Keep Students Engaged While They Are Learning From Home project. Your generosity is helping us provide meaningful, high-quality instruction to students who are temporarily learning online due to the current political climate in Minneapolis. We are using the Teacher Pay Teachers resources to create interactive digital lessons, differentiated practice activities, and culturally responsive assignments that keep students actively engaged. One special moment occurred during a virtual lesson when students used a new interactive activity to collaborate in breakout rooms. Despite being apart, they were laughing, discussing, and fully participating.\r\n\r\nOur goal for this project is to keep students connected, confident, and engaged during an uncertain time. When students began using the new materials, they were excited by how interactive and clear the lessons felt. Many commented that the activities were \"more fun\" and easier to follow, which increased participation and completion rates. What makes our students special is their resilience. They continue to show up ready to learn, even while navigating stress and change outside of school.\r\n\r\nWe will continue incorporating collaborative projects and structured routines to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection. Thank you for helping us ensure that learning remains consistent, engaging, and supportive no matter where our students are learning.","fullyFundedDate":1769989744182,"projectUrl":"project/keep-students-engaged-while-they-are-lea/10069765/","projectTitle":"Keep Students Engaged While They Are Learning From Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10046473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Picturing the IB Learner Profile Attributes project. Because of you, our IB library now includes beautiful picture books that bring the IB Learner Profile to life in meaningful and accessible ways. We are using these books during morning meetings, read-alouds, and inquiry lessons to explore attributes like being Caring, Principled, and Open-Minded. One powerful moment happened after reading a story about a Risk-Taker. Students immediately began sharing examples of when they had tried something new, connecting the character's experience to their own lives.\r\n\r\nOur goal for this project is to help students truly see, understand, and live the IB Learner Profile Attributes in their daily actions. When the books arrived, students were excited to flip through the pages, noticing the powerful illustrations and asking thoughtful questions about the characters. What makes our students special is their curiosity and empathy. They are eager to discuss fairness, identity, kindness, and responsibility. In our diverse classroom, picture books create a safe space for every learner, including EL and SPED students, to access big ideas and join meaningful conversations.\r\n\r\nOur teachers are using these books as mentor texts during writing, reflection journals, and student-led discussions about how they are growing as global citizens. These stories will continue guiding them not just academically, but socially and ethically as well. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where students don't just learn the IB attributes. They see them, talk about them, and become them.","fullyFundedDate":1769800213290,"projectUrl":"project/picturing-the-ib-learning-profile-attrib/10046473/","projectTitle":"Picturing the IB Learning Profile Attributes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10046449,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Hands-on Morning Tasks project. Because of you, our students now begin each day with engaging, brain-boosting activities that spark creativity, collaboration, and excitement for learning. The STEM bins are used each morning as students build, design, and problem-solve together instead of completing traditional worksheets. These materials make a powerful difference. Students practice communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while warming up their brains in meaningful ways. They are especially impactful in our diverse, multilingual IB classroom, where hands-on learning supports language development and builds confidence for all learners.\r\n\r\nOur goal for this project is to create joyful, inquiry-based mornings that motivate students to come to school excited and ready to learn. When students first saw the bins, they were thrilled. Many rushed in asking, \"What do we get to build today?\" They immediately began sharing ideas, negotiating roles, and proudly showing off their creations. What makes our students special is their imagination, resilience, and eagerness to learn, even when facing challenges outside of school.\r\n\r\nThese materials are also supporting indoor recess during long Minnesota winters, giving students positive outlets for creativity and collaboration. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where learning starts with joy, curiosity, and connection every single morning.","fullyFundedDate":1769469000924,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-morning-tasks/10046449/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Morning Tasks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":7857717,"projectId":9899367,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for such a kind and generous donation to our kindergarten classroom. When I received our puppet trees in the mail, the kindergarteners were so excited to see what they were. After I built them, they were so excited to see that they were for our puppets. \r\n\r\nMy students love puppets and love playing with puppets. We were able to fit all of our puppets in the two puppet trees. They have been able to keep our puppets so organized because of these trees. They are even discovering puppets they haven't seen because they are displayed so well.","fullyFundedDate":1769459152107,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-puppets/9899367/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Puppets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lydia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7857717_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685332244585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7857717"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66390","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":491,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.7,"schoolId":66390,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whittier International School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whittier International School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minneapolis-public-schools/whittier-international-school/66390"}